From designing early locomotives to raising the Statue of Freedom on the Capitol Dome, Charles Frederick Thomas played a unique role in D.C. history. Harper-Inglis Fellow in Photograph Conservation, Sophie Hoone, discusses the treatment of a hand-colored photograph of a locomotive from the Charles Frederick Thomas Photographs collection in the Prints and Photographs Division.
Ever wonder what all those intriguing looking instruments in science labs actually do? This first reimagined installment of our “Tools of the Trade” series takes an up-close look at microscopy. Learn how the Library uses this classic technique to look at a material’s structure, answer preservation questions about the collections, and capture intrigue.
In celebration of Washington’s birthday this year, learn about a special portrait of the nation’s first president. Scientists in the Library’s Preservation Research and Testing Division, working with a visiting researcher, recently discovered the use of a unique artist material in the drawing, making it a truly exceptional portrait of President George Washington.
Summer intern Oliver Ding discusses working with the Preservation Research & Testing Division in the heart of Washington D.C. Through the American Chemical Society’s Project SEED, Oliver gained access to a Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), dabbled with lignin spot tests, and explored the complexity of colorants on paper.
The following is a guest post from Lillian Williams, 2024 Junior Fellow in the Preservation Services Division. Before I came to the Library of Congress, I excitedly told many people about my upcoming internship and the Unfurling the Reel Deal: A Journey Through Microfilm History project. I got the same two questions each time: …
The Preservation Services Division came to the rescue as newspapers from Africa needed a brief holdover on their seven-thousand-mile journey to become part of the Library of Congress’ collection.
Government offices rely on consistent output from their technology, and sometimes those devices operate long past their expected retirement. One technician reflects as he replaces a printer used for nearly thirteen years.
